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whether-or

by bigguy_aug » Sun Nov 14, 2010 1:26 pm
It is not known whether paper made from rocks will emerge as the leading type of ecologically-friendly paper, or if, as scientists continue to look for alternatives, another solution will become the standard.

if, as scientists continue to look for alternatives, another solution will become the standard

if scientists continued to look for alternatives they would standardize another solution

another solution would become the standard if scientists continue to look for alternatives

whether another solution would become the standard alternative that scientists continue to look for

whether another solution will become the standard if scientists continue to look for alternatives
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by rishab1988 » Sun Nov 14, 2010 2:45 pm
It is not known whether paper made from rocks will emerge as the leading type of ecologically-friendly paper, or if, as scientists continue to look for alternatives, another solution will become the standard.

if, as scientists continue to look for alternatives, another solution will become the standard

if scientists continued to look for alternatives they would standardize another solution

another solution would become the standard if scientists continue to look for alternatives

whether another solution would become the standard alternative that scientists continue to look for

whether another solution will become the standard if scientists continue to look for alternatives

According to me the answer is D;

Here's why:

There are 2 splits

1)There is a 2:1:2 split. if in first 2, whether in last 2, and neither of those in the middle one.

A, and B out for using incorrect || ism. You can either use Whether X or Y or use Whether X or Whether Y. You cannot use whether or if.

2) This split is a meaning issue " if scientists continue to look for alternatives" in B,C, and E vs if, as scientists...., another solution will become the standard as in A. That is, there is an issue of certainty (whether scientists are actually looking for alternatives or they may look for alternatives". We must preserve the original meaning of the sentence,which states that scientists were actually looking for alternatives. So, C and E out.

We are left with D. The answer,according to me.

What is the OA?
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by bigguy_aug » Sun Nov 14, 2010 2:59 pm
OA E

Can someone explain why C is wrong? To me the 2nd whether looks redundant.
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by Jim@Grockit » Sun Nov 14, 2010 6:02 pm
bigguy_aug wrote:OA E

Can someone explain why C is wrong? To me the 2nd whether looks redundant.
"Whether" needs to be repeated when you have additional binary options.

"He left five hours ago; I want to know whether he visited his friend and went to the store" has two outcomes:
he went to the store and visited his friend OR did neither.

"He left five hours ago; I want to know whether he visited his friend and whether he went to the store" has four outcomes:

1. He went to the store and visited his friend
2. He went to the store and did not visit his friend
3. He did not go to the store, but visited his friend
4. He neither went to the store nor visited his friend
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